Texans Show Growth in Dominant Win Over Patriots, Prove They're Turning a Corner
- Oct 15, 2024
- 3 min read
The Houston Texans showed significant growth in their dominant 41-21 victory over the New England Patriots, a game where they took care of business the way fans expected them to. Against a struggling Patriots team, the Texans exploited their advantage in the pass rush and turned it into four critical turnovers—two interceptions and two fumbles—keeping the Patriots' offense in check throughout the game. This game showcased the Texans’ ability to control a game from start to finish, even when the "Houston Stressans" nearly reemerged by letting New England hang around.
Early in the second quarter, the Texans appeared poised for a blowout after taking a 14-0 lead. Their offense, which had struggled to get off to fast starts earlier this season, was clicking. But missed opportunities, including a missed field goal and a tipped interception in the end zone intended for Dalton Schultz, allowed the Patriots to claw back with a touchdown before halftime, cutting the lead to 14-7. Heading into the break, many Texans fans likely felt a sense of déjà vu, thinking that this game could turn into another where Houston dominates the box score but struggles to put the opponent away.
The Patriots had the first possession after halftime, and it seemed like the game could shift in their favor. However, the Texans’ defense quickly put those fears to rest by forcing a fumble deep in New England territory on the Patriots’ first drive, setting up a 10-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Stefon Diggs just two plays later. From there, the Texans controlled the game, forcing a quick 3-and-out on the next Patriots possession and extending the lead to 24-7 with a field goal. By the time the game ended, Houston had comfortably pulled away for a 41-21 victory.
This game also marked the return of a more balanced Texans offense, especially in the run game. Joe Mixon, who had been sidelined since Week 2, played a huge role in reestablishing the ground attack, rushing for over 100 yards and contributing a receiving touchdown. Dameon Pierce, making his first appearance since Week 1, also made a statement, ripping off a 54-yard touchdown run reminiscent of his rookie season form. Pierce has struggled to adjust to Bobby Slowik’s zone-blocking scheme, but with a mixture of zone and gap scheme runs, Houston was able to exploit New England’s defense. Slowik's increased use of gap schemes, a shift that began in Week 4 against Jacksonville, has helped better suit the skill sets of the offensive line.
This was the first time in weeks that Houston's offense felt like a cohesive unit, and it was refreshing to see them control the game on the ground. Beyond Mixon and Pierce, Stroud managed the game well, despite the absence of Nico Collins, who is on injured reserve. He finished with three touchdown passes, continuing to demonstrate poise and command of the offense. Even when the game threatened to slip away, Stroud’s ability to capitalize on key moments—like the quick strike after the Patriots' fumble—kept the Texans in control.
Defensively, the Texans dominated a struggling Patriots offense, creating havoc in the backfield with their pass rush. Will Anderson Jr. led the charge with a career-best three sacks, and the unit consistently pressured Maye, forcing him into bad decisions. While the Patriots did manage to score three touchdowns, two of those came after Houston had built a significant lead. The defense didn’t just rely on sacks, though, as their ability to generate turnovers continued to shine.
What’s most encouraging about this win is that Houston didn’t play down to their competition, something that has been a recurring issue. Against a team they were expected to beat, they came out strong and, despite some hiccups, found a way to maintain control of the game and put their opponent away when it mattered. For a team still learning how to win, this is a big step forward.
The Texans’ ability to keep the lead and finish the game, rather than letting the Patriots hang around, could mark a turning point in the season. It showed maturity in a young team that’s still finding its identity. Hopefully, this performance signals that Houston has turned a corner and can continue to grow as they push for more consistent success.
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